We tend to associate selfies with vanity or the need to compensate for low self-esteem. But, according to science, this is not always accurate. Researchers have discovered that self-portraits can be an effective tool for the health industry. And that this kind of self-love can help protect your mental and physical well-being.
A study revealed that selfies can be used to detect diseases.
Researchers have discovered that self-portraits can help medical experts identify potential heart conditions. According to the study, certain facial features are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
And running the profile pictures through artificial intelligence resulted in algorithms that correctly identified the existence of the cardiovascular disease.
The study is still in its early stages, but the researchers believe that the use of selfies and AI-based methodologies could be a simple and efficient detection tool.
It’s not necessarily narcissism, but an act of self-care.
Another study found that selfies helped people “wind down” and be more aware of their day. One participant said: “My job was a very stressful role… There were some days when I could barely breathe.” Taking pictures was like a breath of fresh air that allowed them to experience something different.
For others, it gave them a sense of purpose and accomplishment. “It encourages me to get out of the house sometimes when I could just sit on my back with a cup of tea.”
And after a day of looking down or slouching, looking up to take a selfie can be good for your posture. It also forces you to “stop and smell the flowers,” like when you’re looking for background or object to take a photo.
Selfies can help improve a person’s mood.
Another group of researchers studied participants who took smiling selfies every day for several weeks. And subjects reported that even their fake smiles for the photo improved their mood. “It made me feel good, thinking, ‘This is probably how I’m going to be for the rest of the day.'”
Sending these selfies to your friends or loved ones also created a wave of happiness. For example, one participant sent her boyfriend some photos of what she was doing that day, and his interest and positive responses caused them to share a sense of excitement.
And knowing that the recipients (or followers) liked the photo also made the photo sender’s day.
Capturing your own image can make you more confident.
Today’s campaigns are all about self-love, and taking photos regularly can make you feel good and more confident in your image and body. One study found that those who take selfies feel more attractive and appreciated than those who don’t.
A blink of an eye a day can also drive away sadness. “As the days went by, I became more comfortable taking pictures of myself. If you feel good about yourself, [a] selfie would be a way to capture that,” one person shared.
Another participant said that the daily photo session helped him smile better and he also noticed less stress on his face.
These snaps can help with self-reflection.
Daily selfies can be a way to record your personal development. For example, a participant went through a personal crisis, and looking at his photos from that moment helped him reflect on how he had changed.
He witnessed how he slowly survived the “dark days”, and even the elements of the photos, such as light and colors, reminded him of the brightest moments.
If you also find that your photos are constantly getting nasty comments or engagements, it might be time to rethink your selfie practice. And if you feel you are being criticized online for your photos, report it to the authorities in your country immediately.
How often do you take selfies? Do you like to share them on social networks or just keep them for yourself and your loved ones?
Preview photo credit selenagomez / Instagram, selenagomez / Instagram
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